2008 BMW M3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 BMW M3 ranks worst of 18 model years, with 82 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Transmission and powertrain issues dominate at 45% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 15,000 miles overall, plus five recall campaigns including a double-clutch transmission fix.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 18 M3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 82
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2008 BMW M3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain37 (45%)
- Engine23 (28%)
- Airbags9 (11%)
- Electrical System9 (11%)
- Fuel System5 (6%)
- Structure & Body5 (6%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Other2 (2%)
- Steering2 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Sudden unintended acceleration or delayed throttle response after slowing down, sometimes causing a collision.
- Throttle sticking during acceleration, causing rear-tire spin and loss of control into a curb, tree, or fence.
- Loud grinding noise from the engine followed by sudden shutdown and loss of power steering while driving on the freeway.
- Engine malfunction warning accompanied by a loud noise and loss of control at highway speed, in one case with a fire.
- Emergency brake failing to hold on an incline, letting the vehicle roll and strike another vehicle.
- SOS emergency call system and radio failing, becoming unresponsive when the SOS button was pressed.
2008 BMW M3 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 19V472000Jun 19, 2019Electrical System16,641 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2008 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other M3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW M3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 M3 ranks worst of 18 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 100 and 82 complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other M3 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 BMW M3?
- Transmission and powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 45% of complaints (37 of 82), with a median failure mileage of 6,400 miles.
- Does the 2008 BMW M3 have a transmission recall?
- Yes. Recall 08V595000 covers the double-clutch transmission on 2008-2009 M3 vehicles, where software could allow the gearbox to behave unexpectedly during rapid deceleration; BMW reprogrammed the control unit.
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW M3 have?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 M3, covering airbags, electrical wiring and battery cable connections, and the transmission control software.
- What year BMW M3 should I avoid?
- The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of 18 years, making it the year to be most cautious about compared to other M3 years like 2012, which is rated Good.